Pep Guardiola may need another goalkeeper before the start of the season.

With Willy Caballero completing a free transfer to Chelsea and Angus Gunn sent out on loan to Norwich, Guardiola is well catered for with summer signing Ederson and last summer’s arrival Claudio Bravo as his two main stoppers.

Joe Hart would, in the minds of many Blues fans, at least be in the mix following his return to Manchester City after a season-long loan at Torino.

But it is seemingly impossible for the out-of-favour England man to extend his successful career with the club.

Guardiola has made it clear that the 30-year-old England is not part of his future plans.

And Hart will not want to hang around without playing first-team football.

Guardiola could turn to youngsters Daniel Grimshaw and Aro Muric as back-up to his senior pair.

Barcelona's Spanish coach Josep Guardiola (L) reacts next to Barcelona's Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.Barcelona won 3 to 1. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)

But if he is looking for a more seasoned veteran, he could look at Victor Valdes as a realistic alternative.

Valdes, who left Middlesbrough after one season at the club, is a free agent and the Blues boss knows him as well as he knows any player.

The 35-year-old Spaniard was a key part of Guardiola’s glory days at Barcelona.

His career has slid since with a troubled spell under an unimpressed Louis van Gaal at United and a relegation with Boro.

Valdés would not be expected to emulate the world-class form he previously showed under Guardiola’s tutelage, but a reunion with his former manager would add an experienced back-up keeper to City’s squad.

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Even if he stayed at the Etihad for a year, it would allow Gunn to return improved and experienced from his loan spell and push for first-team recognition.

He could offer experienced back-up in the event of injury to Ederson or Bravo and could offer invaluable advice to City’s up-and-coming keepers.

Guardiola will be looking to cash in on Hart’s value in the transfer market this summer.

And Valdes could offer a cost-effective and tried and tested way of making up the numbers.

Not many experienced keepers relish the prospect of theird choice but, given Valdes’ releationship with Guardiola and the fact he is in the twighlight of his career, it is a move that could work for both parties.